RASC News Agency: Pakistani media have reported that during a high-level gathering of tribal elders and representatives of Afghanistani and Pakistani business communities at the Torkham border, the parties reached a consensus on a ceasefire, the complete reopening of the crossing for all movement, and the temporary closure of disputed border facilities by the Taliban. According to reports, the Taliban had requested an extension until last night to shut down these facilities. The meeting was attended by dozens of tribal elders and business representatives from both sides of the border.
It was decided that discussions concerning the contested facilities would be deferred until the next session of the Joint Coordination Committee. Additionally, participants agreed that during the upcoming Joint Chamber of Commerce meeting, a permanent resolution for the disputed facilities would be established. Under the terms of the agreement, the Torkham commercial crossing will remain operational until the next Joint Chamber of Commerce session, with the exact date to be determined in consultation with both parties. Reports indicate that a separate meeting was scheduled last night between Pakistani officials and Taliban border forces to further deliberate on the matter. Following discussions between officials from both sides, the Torkham border crossing will be reopened for all types of movement.
The crossing has remained closed for the past 25 days, exacerbating tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban. This marks the second round of negotiations between the two parties, after the previous session was canceled due to the Taliban’s absence. The prolonged closure of Torkham has inflicted millions of dollars in financial losses on traders from both countries, heightening the urgency for a lasting resolution.
